Tetradrachm - Bellaios with Amatbene

Emitent Characene, Kingdom of
Rok 85 BC
Typ Standard circulation coin
Nominał Tetradrachm (4)
Waluta Drachm
Skład Silver
Waga 15.62 g
Średnica 29 mm
Grubość
Kształt Round (irregular)
Technika Hammered
Orientacja Medal alignment ↑↑
Rytownik(zy)
W obiegu do
Źródło(a)
Opis awersu Conjoined busts of Bellaios, diademed and wearing short beard, and Amatbene, draped and wearing stephane, right.
Pismo awersu
Legenda awersu
Opis rewersu Radiate Apollo standing left, quiver over shoulder, holding wreath in extended right hand and bow in lowered left; to left, monogram above HKΣ (date).
Pismo rewersu Greek
Legenda rewersu BAΣIΛEΩΣ BEΛΛAIOY BAΣIΛIΣΣHΣ AMATBHNOΣ ΦΙΛOΠATEPΩN KAI EYEPΓETΩN HKΣ
Krawędź
Mennica
Nakład 228 (85 BC) HKΣ - -
ID Numisquare 7115126500
Dodatkowe informacje

Historical Context: This silver tetradrachm, struck in 85 BC, is a significant issue from the Kingdom of Characene under Bellaios I, uniquely featuring Amatbene. Bellaios I, reigning circa 90-79 BC, consolidated Characene’s independence from Seleucid influence and navigated its Parthian relations. As a vital trading emporium at the Persian Gulf, Charax Spasinou’s coinage was crucial. The inclusion of Amatbene, likely a powerful queen or co-ruler, is highly unusual, offering rare insight into early Characene political dynamics and female agency.

Artistry: The coin’s design reflects a provincial Hellenistic style characteristic of

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